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Minutes – Motion by Handy,
seconded by Farber to accept the minutes of October
17th, October 25th * November
8, 2012; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-114)

Departmental Reports –
Motion by Millington, seconded by Brownell to accept
the Town Clerk’s, Justice, Dog Control Officer &
Code Enforcement Officer’s monthly reports; passed
5-0. (Res. #12-115)Justice Dye presented his books and records
to the town board for their review.Motion by Farber, seconded by Millington that
the Town Board has reviewed all books and records of
the Justice Court and they are found to be in order
and balanced; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-116)

Code Enforcement Officer Policy – Motion by
Handy, seconded by Farber to accept the new
building permit application as presented by
Councilman Farber; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-118)On the agenda for next month will be the
Codes Fee Schedule and Codes Policy.

Other – none

Audit – Motion by Handy,
seconded by Brownell to accept the audit of vouchers
#12-288 through #12-317B and authorize the
Supervisor to pay; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-119)

Code Enforcement
Policy & Procedures – Councilman Farber
presented a draft copy to all board members for
their review and will be on agenda for
December. James Castrucci, CEO said all
building permits are kept in the cabinet in the
meeting room and that copies of all permits are
given to the Assessor.

Other –
Councilwoman Handy questioned when the last
audit was done. Supervisor Stagliano said it
was approximately 5 years ago, and that
performance audit was done last. He also stated
that the Annual Update Document filed with the
State Comptroller’s Office serves as a constant
check.

Justice Records –
the board is requesting that Judge Dye attend
the December meeting and explain his record
keeping since the board is required to audit his
books.

Purpose of this meeting is to review the 2013
Tentative Budget and make any changes then accept as the
Preliminary Budget for a public hearing.

Amendments as follows:

Motion by Handy, seconded by Farber to increase A
1110.1 to $5,750.00 as requested by department; passed 5-0
(Res. #12-104)

Councilwoman Handy proposed a $500.00 increase to
A1410.1, stating that $2,500 is too huge, no second
received. Motion by Farber, seconded by Stagliano to
increase A1410.1 by $1,500 to $15,500.00; passed 5-0. (Res.
#12-105)

A discussion to reduce the Code Enforcement
Officer’s salary resulted in no change.

Discussion took place regarding a revaluation.
Councilwoman Handy stated that she feels a revaluation needs
to be done and would like a line item in the 2013 budget to
set aside money for that purpose. Councilman Farber
stated that it is costly to maintain a 100% assessment and
does not want to override the 2% tax cap. He also
stated that he would vote against setting money aside at
this time; stating that people who feel they are not
equitably assessed can go through the grievance process.
Councilman Millington agreed and would not vote to override
the tax cap. Councilman Brownell stated that he does
see both sides to this issue, but would vote not to raise
taxes to accomplish a revaluation. Supervisor
Stagliano stated that data collection and property cards
should continue to be updated, more facts obtained and then
the issue can be addressed at a later date.
Councilwoman Handy said that assessments are not equitable
and that people who are receiving a break will continue to
and those that are over assessed continue to pay more.
No motions were made regarding this issue.

Code Enforcement – Motion by Handy, seconded by
Stagliano to send the CEO/DCO a letter, with Supervisor
Stagliano to sign, that all permits and dog control files
need to be filed in the town offices, both past and present
records, with this being accomplished no later than November
8, 2012; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-106)

Discussion took place on the 2013 Tentative Budget
as presented by Supervisor Stagliano with Department
Heads.

Highway Department – Jeffrey Doxtater reviewed his
budget requests with the town board. Supervisor
Stagliano agreed on the wage increase and praised his work,
but did decrease the contractual because the computer, etc.
was purchased in 2012 and those expenses would not be
recurring next year. CHIPS money will be rolled over
($20,095.94), and discussion on a new truck purchase to
replace the F550 for 2014.

Assessment – LeighAnne Loucks reviewed her budget
requests with the town board. Supervisor Stagliano
said part of the reason he reduced her requests was because
of the $20,000 in a capital project. LeighAnne said
data collection forms are being returned however, she has a
concern that if data collection is done in the town outside
the village and the current CEO does not give copies of
building permits to her, that we will be back to square one.
She needs to be given copies of all building permits for
both the Town and Village to update data collections cards.
It was agreed to have Councilman Farber work on a CEO Policy
and Procedure Manual. Councilwoman Handy stated that
we need to have a revaluation and that if raising taxes is
how it can be accomplished then that’s what needs to be
done. She stated that she wants a line item in the
budget to fund a revaluation for the town, even if it means
overriding the 2% tax cap. Discussion took place
regarding her request with Councilman Farber stating that we
do not know what the future will bring and wants to hold off
on a revaluation, hoping that the state will again offer
partial reimbursement for each parcel. Supervisor
Stagliano said a revaluation is not sustainable. The
Town of Minden has done three since 1998 to keep 100% and
will not vote to override the tax cap. Councilman
Brownell & Millington agreed to not override the tax cap.

It was agreed to hold another budget meeting on
Thursday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. at which time amendments
can be made and then it will be accepted as the Preliminary
Budget.

Councilwoman Handy questioned how the updating of the
property cards is progressing.Supervisor Stagliano said that the board would
have the opportunity to discuss this with the Assessor
during the budget workshops.

Crum Creek Road – Councilwoman Handy stated that a lot
of work has been done on Crum Creek Road, however,
additional work still needs to be done and certain
issues cannot wait until summer.Councilman Brownell stated that the culvert at
the intersection with Shuster Road needs material under
the culvert to bring it up, that it is a real problem in
the winter.

New Business

Highway Truck – a budget request from the Highway
Superintendent will be discussed at the budget workshop
which Supervisor Stagliano set for October 17th
at 6:00 p.m. with department heads.

2012 Tentative Budget – Supervisor Stagliano reviewed
the tentative budget with board members stating that the
proposed budget does stay within the 2% cap.Motion by Farber, seconded by Millington to set a
budget workshop/meeting for October 17th at
6:00 p.m. when the board will have the opportunity to
discuss budget requests with department heads; passed
5-0. (Res. #12-098)

Public Comment – Robert Madsen addressed the
board on behalf of an ongoing codes issue between the Code
Officer and the Amish community. He feels they are
being targeted as a group by the Codes Officer while
performing work within the Town and Village. Mr.
Madsen stated that they are being harassed about Worker’s
Compensation Insurance, rough lumber, under age workers,
etc., with stop work orders being issued for their work.
Dyan Thomas and James Saracino stated that the Amish are
good neighbors always willing to lend a helping hand,
however, because of this issue now are talking about moving
out of the community. They feel that this would be a
huge burden to the taxpayers and feel something has to be
done to clarify the situation.

Minutes – Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy to
accept the minutes of August 9, 2012; passed 5-0. (Res.
#12-090)

C. Codes Issues – Supervisor Stagliano and Attorney
Mastromoro clarified for everyone in attendance that special
exemptions for worker’s compensation insurance do exist with
the following criteria: (1,2,3 or 4 family owner occupied
family home can qualify for an exemption from worker’s
compensation if they meet one of the following:
(1) performing work yourself (2) not paying or compensating
workers (3) homeowners policy in effect that covers building
where work is being performed and hiring less than 40 hrs.
per week for all individuals. Attorney Mastromoro said
form CE200 must be completed if not on a 1,2,3 or 4 family
residence. Supervisor Stagliano stated that a one
person contractor or a partnership with no employees is not
required to have Worker’s Compensation. Regarding
rough-cut lumber, Section 24 of the NYS Building Codes
stated that structural members must be certified for homes,
and that agricultural buildings are exempt. He also
stated that it is not the job of the Codes Officer to police
whether Worker’s Compensation Laws are being adhered to as
long as he has the proper form on file stating an exemption
applies.

Audit – Motion by Farber, seconded by Brownell to
accept the audit and authorize the Supervisor to pay voucher
#12-217 through #12-239 with the exception of the rabies
call for James Castrucci, DCO which was actually in Fulton
County jurisdiction; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-094)
Supervisor Stagliano directed the Clerk to return the rabies
call authorization to Montgomery County Public Health.

Correspondence –
Supervisor Stagliano provided a brief description of the
redistricting through the County with 9 districts and Town
Supervisors would no longer vote or be paid by the County.

Committee Reports – none

Old Business – none

New Business

Budget Transfers – Hwy.
Superintendent Jeffrey Doxtater stated that he needs a
budget transfer to cover his printer and telephone
expense through the remainder of 2012. Motion by Farber,
seconded by Millington (+) A 5010.4 (+) $350.00 & (-) A
1990.4 (+) $350.00; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-086) Motion
by Handy, seconded by Brownell (+) DB 5140.4 (+) $100.00
& (-) DB 5142.4 (-) $100.00; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-087)
Jeffrey also stated the in November the warranty on the
F550 will expire. He stated that Thumb Road came in
approximately $3,000 under bid; as well as Hanson did
include the bridge and will be billing Montgomery County
for that section.

Assessor – Councilwoman Handy
stated that the letter that was sent out to property
owners with a “home inventory” questionnaire should not
have been sent to business owners, she stated that a
“business inventory” should have been sent.

**6:45 p.m. Bid Opening for Thumb Road Paving.
Two bids were received, one from Hanson Aggregates for
$53,076.00 and Hart’s Paving for $66,000.00. Both bids
were reviewed by Norman Mastromoro, Attorney for the
Town.

Meeting called to order 7:00 p.m.

Salute to the flag

Roll Call – all present

Public Comment – none

Minutes – Motion by Farber, seconded by Millington
to accept the minutes of June 14, 2012; passed 5-0. (Res.
#12-076)

Thumb Road Paving Bids – both bids were
reviewed by Attorney Mastromoro. Motion by Farber,
seconded by Handy to accept the bids from Hanson
Aggregates for $53,076.00 and Hart’s Paving for
$66,000.00; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-078) Discussion
followed. A motion to amend the budget was made by
Farber, seconded by Millington to increase DB 3501 by
$6,076.00 and increase DB 5112.2 by $6,076.00; passed
5-0. (Res. #12-079) Motion by Handy, seconded by
Millington to accept the bid from Hanson Aggregates for
paving of Thumb Road at a cost not to exceed $53,076.00;
passed 5-0. (Res. #12-080)

Local Law No. 2 of 1999 (Property Maintenance)
– the board asked the Code Enforcement Officer to review
the law and make changes and present to the board for
their review.

Audit – Motion by Handy, seconded by Brownell to
enter into audit; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-081) Motion by
Farber, seconded by Handy to accept the audit and authorize
the Supervisor to pay vouchers #12-171 through #12-195;
passed 5-0. (Res. #12-082)

Public Comment – Robert Smith addressed
the board regarding the Arts Factory, updating their
progress and upcoming events. Lia Marrero addressed
the board with an update on Hydrofracking.

Minutes – Motion by Farber, seconded by
Millington to accept the minutes of May 10, 2012; passed
5-0. (Res. #12-068)

Departmental Reports – Motion by Handy,
seconded by Brownell to accept the monthly reports from the
Town Clerk, Justice, Dog Control Officer, Code Enforcement
Officer and Historian; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-069)
Jeffrey Doxtater, Highway Superintendent reported to the
board that he has applied for the CHIPS money from the
paving of Upper Mill Road done in 2011 that had never been
applied for, and the Town of St. Johnsville will be
receiving a check for $35,136.67, to be issued this week.
He reported that he has learned a lot at the recently
attended highway schooling, and is requesting a budget
transfer be made to A 5010.4 because this account will be
exceeding the $800.00 originally budgeted for 2012 because
of the schooling costs and cell phone charges that the board
approved. He also indicated that he would like to pave
Thumb Road this year.

Old Business

Code Enforcement – James Castrucci,
CEO reported that he finished today the first course of
Building Codes & Fire Codes, and that Tom Romanowski
will be available to oversee any questions he has during
his certification process.

Crum Creek Road – Jeffrey Doxtater,
Hwy. Superintendent stated that nothing has been done by
the County on Crum Creek Road, and that work is
scheduled for 2014. Councilman Brownell stated that a
tree remains in the creek bed and that the County has
been notified, however nothing has been done by the
County. He feels it is a real safety concern.
Supervisor Stagliano said he will take pictures and take
them to the County DPW.

Assessor – LeighAnne Loucks, Sole
Appointed Assessor has drafted a letter that will be
sent to Village residents explaining the data collection
she will be conducting this Summer & Fall. The board
approved the letter after revising and approved
mailings.

New Business

Highway Department Employee -
Jeffrey Doxtater, Hwy. Superintendent reported to the
board that he has hired a new employee, Ryan Dygert.
This employee will start at the same rate of pay for the
Highway employees, with the stipulation that he obtain a
CDL permit and obtain his Class B license within a one
year period.

Highway Agreement - a proposed
Highway Agreement was presented to the board, with Thumb
Road indicated as a capital project for 2012.
Supervisor Stagliano reported that the $35,136.67 will
be returned to the budget and eventually replenish the
fund balance. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was
made by Handy, seconded by Farber to amend the budget DB
3501 by (+) $47,000.00, and DB 5112.2 by (+) $47,000.00;
passed 5-0. Res. #12-071). A motion by Farber,
seconded by Millington to sign the amended Highway
Agreement with DB 5110.4 $37,000.00 and DB 5112.2
$47,000.00; passed 5-0. (Res. #12-072). Motion by
Millington, seconded by Farber to authorize the Highway
Superintendent to advertise for bids for the paving of
Thumb Road, from the east side of the bridge and east to
the intersection of Kringsbush Road with Type 6F 9 Top,
returnable July 11, 2012, at 12:00 p.m., with bid
opening on July 12, 2012, at 6:45 p.m.; passed 5-0.
(Res. #12-073).

Code Enforcement – James Castrucci
reported that both the Suits & Bell properties have been
sold a County auction and have new owners. Both
properties are in the process of clean-up and repairs
are being made to the Bell property.

Audit – Motion by Farber, seconded by
Millington to accept and authorize the Supervisor to pay
vouchers #12-132 through #12-169; passed. 5-0. (Res. #074).
Clerk and Supervisor are to research voucher #12-169 (County
Waste 2009 Invoice) to validate that payment was never
made prior to issuing payment)

Highway Agreement – discussion took
place with Supervisor Stagliano stating that a signed
Highway Agreement must be in place before any expenditures
can be used from the General Repairs or Capital Improvement
accounts. Jeff Doxtater, Hwy. Superintendent stated that he
would like to pave Thumb Road this year and that he will
have an agreement for the town board for next month’s
meeting.

Revaluation – LeighAnne Loucks,
Assessor addressed the board stating that she feels it would
be a better choice to do data collection this year (she
would do the Village and the Town portion would need to
contracted out), allowing data entry to be completed during
the Fall and Winter months, which would then drop the cost
of revaluation dramatically.

Western Montgomery County Local
Waterfront Revitalization – Supervisor Stagliano stated that
joint Town and Village meetings are being held and
encouraged the board members to get involved.

2011 Annual Update Document – was
presented to the board for their review.

Purpose of this meeting is to open proposals
for a town-wide revaluation project. The following proposals
were received:

Brisbane - (declined to bid)

George Cade - (declined to bid)

Klaur, Lloyd & Wilhem - * $137,750.00

*$123,250.00 (with
Stratford)

Appraisal Consultants - $66,000.00

Maxwell Appraisals - $ 64,935.00

(Bids that were received after the 4/2/12
1PM deadline and were not opened)

Gar Associates (delivered 4/2 3:30 p.m.)

Fitts Appraisals (mailed on 4/2/12)

Motion by Councilwoman Handy, seconded by
Councilman Farber that the Town Attorney prepare an appropriate
Resolution for consideration by this Board on April 12th for
advising the New York State Office of Real Property Services that a
town-wide unit reassessment has been approved for completion,
effective July 1, 2013; passed 3-0. (Res. #12-048)

Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy
directing Bob Harris to review the bids received from
Appraisal Consultants and Maxwell Appraisals and set up interviews
for April 12th at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. respectively; passed 3-0. (Res.
#12-049)

Town Clerk is to look into alternate sites
to hold informational meeting sometime in May of 2012.

Public Comment – Hank Brown addressed the
board regarding the proposed radio station, stating that they have
run into some roadblocks with the FCC regarding not having a written
extension to their permit; however, they are attempting to complete
all the necessary paperwork to continue with this project.

Minutes – Motion
by Brownell, seconded by Handy to accept the minutes of January 12th
and February 9th;
passed 3-0. (Res. #12-042)

Departmental
Reports – Motion by Handy, seconded by Brownell to accept the Town
Clerk, Justice, Dog Control Officer, Code Enforcement Officer’s
written reports; passed 3-0. (Res. #12-043)Jeffrey Doxtater addressed the
board regarding whether he would be able to purchase a wood chipper
this year.It was stated that there are no
monies appropriated in this year’s budget for equipment, especially
since the $35,000 in CHIPS money was never applied for by the
previous Highway Superintendent, therefore, that money will now have
to be taken from the fund balance.

Correspondence – St. Johnsville Volunteer
Firemen invitation to the boar and St. Patrick’s Church court order
determination.

Old Business

Revaluation RFP – Bob Harris presented the board with a RFP for
the Town of St. Johnsville, if approved, it would be sent out by
March 12th and bids would be opened at a special
meeting.After opening
bids Mr. Harris would review bids and check references and make
a recommendation to the town board.The board would then have to make a commitment to do a
revaluation for the Town of St. Johnsville.

Local Waterfront Revitalization Project – Motion by Handy,
seconded by Brownell to support this project which would require
creating a committee, updating the draft plan and zoning would
need to include this plan consistently; passed 3-0. (Res.
#12-044)

Code Enforcement Officer – discussion about hiring an interim
CEO until Mr. Castrucci obtains certification took place, with a
proposal that the costs of any permits issued go to the interim
officer.

Audit – Motion by Handy, seconded by
Brownell to accept voucher #12-056 through #12-072 with the
exception of the street lighting portion for last month from
National Grid, which needs to be corrected); passed 3-0. (Res.
#12-046)

Public Comment –
Lia Marrero thanked the board for their work in protecting our water
through their work on instituting a hydrofracking moratorium.She stated that she would like the
board to continue their efforts by contacting other townships to
inform them of the work being done to protect our water.

Minutes – Motion by Farber, seconded by
Brownell to accept the minutes of the January 3, 2012, organization
meeting; passed 4-0. (Res. #12-030)

Correspondence – letter from Attorney
Mastromoro regarding setting a date for a public hearing on proposed
Local Law No. 1 of 2012, regarding a one year Hydrofracking
Moratorium.

Old Business – none

New Business

Proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2012 (Hydrofracking Moratorium) –
Motion by Handy, seconded by Brownell to set a public
hearing/special meeting on February 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.;
passed 4-0. (Res. #12-032)

Revaluation – Discussion took place
regarding a revaluation project.Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy to authorize Attorney
Mastromoro to prepare an agreement between the Town of St.
Johnsville and Robert Harris to start “Phase I” of a revaluation
project, to include preparation of an RFP and letters to
potential bidders to determine actual costs of a complete town
wide revaluation project; passed 4-0. (Res. #12-033)LeighAnne Loucks, Sole Appointed Assessor for the Town
questioned whether this could be done without a resolution by
the board committing to do the revaluation.Supervisor Stagliano said it can be done, but doesn’t
necessarily mean the town is committing to follow through with a
revaluation project.
Stagliano stated that the activity of a revaluation would be
over a two-year period, however, it would be necessary to
override the 2% tax cap to fund the project.Motion by Handy, seconded by Brownell to use the $20,000
in a Special Reserve Fund to cover the costs of the agreement
with Robert Harris to determine an actual cost of a complete
revaluation project; passed 4-0. (Res. #034)

Audit – Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy
to approve voucher #12-030 through #12-055, with the exception of
the street lighting portion of voucher #12-037; passed 4-0. (Res.
#12-037)

LeighAnne Loucks,
Assessor addressed the board regarding comments made by a board
member on the street concerning assessments.She stated that she would
appreciate any board member who has a problem or concern, to please
address her in person.Jeffrey Doxtater, Hwy.
Superintendent addressed the board regarding the roller that is
currently not in operational order.The board stated that is his
department and if he feels it needs to be fixed to go ahead, as long
as he works within the budget.

Public Comment – Ronald Hezel addressed the
board regarding the cost of street light removal stating that he
witnessed an average of eight minutes to remove a fixture, which
would work out to $1,651.41/hr. as the cost National Grid is
charging the Town of St. Johnsville.

Minutes – Motion by Handy, seconded by
Farber to accept the minutes of December 8, 2011; passed 4-0. (Res.
#12-020)

A.Revaluation – a presentation was
made by Bob Harris, Assessor for the Towns of Root and Charleston,
regarding the process of a revaluation project.He stated that the purpose of a
revaluation is to allow the local Assessor more control over
equalization rates and the Town’s “piece of the pie”.It is the purpose to treat all
taxpayers equal, it is revenue equal, meaning it does not generate
more revenue just redistributes the burden equally.He has acted as Project
Administrator for the Towns of Minden and Mohawk, who have both done
revaluations.He stated that the cost could be
spread over two budget years with the final roll filed July 1, 2013
for the 2014 Tax Rolls.If the Town of St. Johnsville
decides to proceed with a 100% revaluation project and decides to
enter into an agreement with him to act as Project Administrator, he
would prepare the RFP, along with overseeing all phases of the
process including sending letter to contractors, pre-bid
conferences, checking references, interviews, monthly status reports
to board prior to any payments to contractors, etc.He estimated the cost to be
between $35-$40/ parcel, with his projected cost to be $30/hr. plus
expenses for Plan Administrator.Attorney Mastromoro questioned how
the Town would keep the equalization rate at 100%.Mr. Harris stated that the
Assessor keeps records of all property classes then can change
assessments within the class.He also stressed that it is
imperative to have a good Code Enforcement Officer that needs to be
making the Assessor aware of all building changes.

Hydrofracking Moratorium – Attorney Mastromoro stated that he
has reviewed the proposed “draft” of the local law, which would
allow for a one-year moratorium on hydrofracking within the Town
of St. Johnsville, and has given his approval.Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy to accept the draft of
12/7/11, with attached Appendix A for further consideration and
authorize the Attorney for the Town to forward the proposed
draft to the Montgomery County Planning Board per section 239m
of General Municipal Law; passed 4-0. (Millington absent) (Res.
#12-022)

Health Insurance Renewal – Motion by Farber, seconded by Handy
to renew our current health insurance EPO 25/40 with Rx rider
$10 co-pay with CDPHP as quoted ($406.67/813.34/1,077.69) with
no dental coverage; passed 4-0. (Millington absent) (Res.
#12-023)Motion by
Handy, seconded by Farber to allow newly elected Hwy.
Superintendent Jeffrey Doxtater to receive ½ of the buyout cost
for the period of 1/1/12-6/30/12, allowing him to join coverage
as of 7/1/12; passed 4-0. (Res. #12-024)Previous Hwy. Superintendent, Peter D. Battisti, Sr., has
been removed from coverage as of 1/1/12.

Suits Update – Attorney Mastromoro stated that it is scheduled
for town court on 2/8/12; questions have arose regarding whether
ownership will be taken by the County, Attorney Mastromoro was
directed by the Town Board to ask for an adjournment until
determination of ownership is made.

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Article 7) – Attorney Mastromoro
stated that the Assessor testified in court on behalf of the
Town on December 22, 2011, and Priest Clark testified on behalf
of St. Patrick’s Church, stating that they do use the building
for prayer services and fund raisers.To date, Attorney Mastromoro has not received any final
written determination.